Six Steps To You
A/N. Hello. If all goes to plan this will be a series of one-shots about this cute pairing because there are just not enough fics about them!
I will also be making up stuff about Carim's past as we unfortunately really don't know a lot about her.
Hope you enjoy and thanks to those who read regardless of whether or not you finish it.
Disclaimer: I don't own Magical Lyrical Girl Nanoha or any of the characters associated with the series.
Newly appointed Lt. Colonel Hayate Yagami of the Time Space Administration Bureau was at a loss. Following orders, she had helped seal the relic, transported it to the orbiting space cruiser for storage and was now waiting for another cruiser that would take her home. The mission had gone off without a hitch. However, it was a personal matter that was playing on her mind. Hayate Yagami was experiencing problems with her superiors. One superior in particular, although, upon further consideration she found that she didn't really think of her as a superior. It wasn't because the person in question lacked the necessary qualities for their job because Hayate respected both her skill and work ethic. It was just that her personality didn't really fit the presupposed image of her rank of Major General. She didn't wear a permanent scowl but chose instead to wear a serene visage that would often break into a friendly smile that never failed to put Hayate at ease. She was devoid of war scars and the smell of cigar smoke and was by all means extremely young to have achieved her rank. Hayate respected the Major General a great deal and they were on friendly enough terms to the point where she considered Hayate her little sister. And there lay the problem. Without realising it, Hayate's admiration and respect had grown into a genuine affection. In short, she could conclude that between the ages of eleven and seventeen she had fallen for Major General Carim Gracia.
Hayate let out a sigh before allowing her forehead to bang against the shelf she had been browsing. She was utterly lost. It was by chance that this tea store had caught her eye tucked away as it was into a small corner in the middle of the shopping district. The shop had only caught her attention due to her brain's making the connection between tea and the subject of the day, Carim Gracia who was quite unable to function in the morning unless she'd had her favourite beverage. Hayate did not share her love of tea, the brightly labelled packets on the shelves having little meaning for her.
"Hayate," the voice close to her ear whined and she turned to face the tired expression on her unison partner's face. It had been Rein's first official mission with Hayate as well as her first official deployment. Rein's small head stuck out from under the folds of Hayate's scarf that had previously hidden her from view.
"Sorry, Rein." She affectionately patted the silvery haired device whose expression instantly changed from a frown to a smile. "Did the scarf make you uncomfortable?"
"It makes it a little hard to breathe, but Rein is a tough one," she ended proudly causing Hayate to smile. Although, her smile soon took on a more wistful look fading only when Rein's small hands touched her cheek.
"Rein is happy that you allowed her to accompany you."
Although Rein was the newest member of the Yagami family she always noticed the subtle shifts in her master's emotions. It was a connection that Rein truly treasured despite the snatches of sorrow she felt. The whispers and echoes of the old Reinforce, whose linker core resided within her, felt much like the advice of an older sister imparting her vital knowledge about the one they both greatly cared for. When she was born, Rein had retained the memories of the original Reinforce. Memories she often skimmed when she had a moment to herself, eager to learn about her new family. The first memory she had been drawn to ironically had been the last thoughts of Reinforce. A strong sense of sadness, hope and affection had pulsed from the memory and Rein had cautiously allowed herself to relive it. A crying face partially obscured by lightly falling snow, a voice much more mature than hers whispering thanks followed by a flash of light. Then nothing but the lingering thought of freedom and an aching happiness. Rein hadn't found the courage to pry further. The helplessness that her master had experienced that day in the snow was similar to the one Rein could sense from her now. Her return home had no doubt stirred dormant memories, although she knew that Hayate always kept them close.
"It's been eight years … being back just makes it more vivid," Hayate confided, deeply touched that Rein had been able to sense her unease.
"Is Rein's company a reminder?" her device asked innocently.
"It's a good reminder," Hayate reassured her. "You make life all the more lively. It's just that everything in this city reminds me of that day. Coming back just shows you how far this world has to go. I feel bad having to hide you in my scarf and…and… " she found it difficult to continue. Did she really need to bring her situation with Carim into the conversation? All her problems were beginning to compound and she really didn't want Rein to worry more than was necessary.
During the two years since their last meeting, Carim had taken up the position of Knight offered to her by the St. Church and as a result had been busier with the Church than the TSAB. It had come as no surprise to Hayate that Carim risked such a move. But already, her loyalty was being questioned as she now held high ranking positions in both organisations. It didn't help that Carim's superior in the TSAB was at constant loggerheads with the Church.
Hayate felt she knew why Carim accepted the church's offer. It was something Carim preferred to keep a secret but she had done it out of gratitude and as perhaps a way of repairing burnt bridges. The St. Church had been her home for much of her early childhood. She once jokingly told Hayate that if she hadn't run away to join the military she would have become a nun. The cynic in Hayate however maintained that Carim also accepted the job for other reasons. Her friend had been constantly hounded by Church officials due to the nature of the powers she possessed, a rare skill which enabled her to interpret the future in the form of a poem, although Carim insisted that her predictions, written in a nearly dead language were about as accurate as horoscopes.
These so called interpretations led her to the TSAB at the age of ten with a prophecy that had been promptly ignored. However, the TSAB was not an organisation that turned away potential mages. Carim had been of particular interest as she was versed in the Ancient Belkan system of magic that was in decline. Thus, she had joined the ranks of the TSAB eager to prove that she could prevent what she foresaw. Her prediction came true five years later. She had been powerless to stop it.
Hayate never learnt the full details of the matter. She only saw its impact on Carim's usually cheerful demeanour. For Carim this episode must have been as overwhelming as the Book of Darkness Incident was for herself. Both women shared a sense of deep loss which they hid behind carefully constructed smiles while guilt ran rampant, shaping their actions, making them single minded. But Hayate had snapped first with her affections running opposite to her purpose. If you had to atone for events in your past life you did not have time to love someone. The kind of atonement they each sought would never be found in the arms of another. Others could not give them the necessary quality of forgiveness they needed for they would not accept it. As there was no ultimate price upon atonement or even a limit, this satisfied their sadistic need for balance.
The TSAB had no need for such a path and seeing credit in Carim's ability, they immediately began to treat her skills as worthwhile. The Church followed their lead and Hayate noted bitterly that her friend's skill was now in high demand.
The last time she had seen her sister figure, the latter had just finished a week of prophecy readings at the St. Church. Her long blonde dishevelled hair was tied into a sloppy ponytail. Her fringe covered her eyes as she had abandoned her purple hair band for the day. Hayate couldn't stifle her giggle at the unfamiliar sight. Carim was dressed in the TSAB ground military uniform. The white shirt was crinkled and untucked, the brown dress coat open and her tie had been haphazardly thrown around her neck yet to be tied. The only thing remotely presentable was the skirt with only a few crinkles. Despite appearing at odds with her usual crisp and presentable appearance, Carim had still smiled at her. Her hand pushed her fringe out of her eyes and she had giggled slightly
"After effect of reading the future," she stated letting her hand fall back to her side. Her fringe promptly fell back into place and Hayate didn't bother trying to hold back her quiet laughter. She approached Carim with a small affectionate smile on her face. Pushing Carim's fringe back she was greeted by surprised blue eyes. She noted the dark shadows beneath them. Detaching one of her clips from her hair Hayate frowned in concentration as she clipped back Carim's fringe.
"There now you won't run into anything," she added teasingly. Feeling at ease despite their closeness Hayate reached for Carim's tie as if it had been the most natural thing to do and began to tie it. Carim remained quiet throughout Hayate's actions. However, her eyes spoke her amusement and she couldn't prevent the small smile that formed in response to Hayate serious expression. Finishing the final loop, Hayate adjusted the tie and stood back to admire her work.
"Yep, you look much better now."
Carim nodded and thanked her before turning to look at Hayate seriously.
"Is it a bad prophecy?" Hayate's tone had also changed to match her stare.
"Could be," Carim shrugged. "It would have to be looked at by the priests and council members and cross-examined several times before any of it would make sense."
Hayate nodded in response sensing that there was more that she wanted to say.
"The Church has offered me the position of Knight," Carim had spoken softly.
"Carim sure is popular," Hayate grinned back. "Doesn't the TSAB want you on the board as well?"
"Apparently." Carim's wry smile accompanied her response. "Interestingly the posts do not clash should I choose to accept them both. A special exemption has been made as everyone is eager to catch a glimpse of a future whose truth rests on my Ancient Belkan proficiency." She ended in a tone full of self deprecation.
"That future's not looking too bright then," Hayate joked back. She knew that Carim had already made up her mind about the offers. She was never one to accept a promotion and it was only through Hayate's urging that she had ascended the ranks. But these offers were different. Carim would finally be in a position to counter the future she saw within her cards.
"You should go for it." Her voice had lost its cheerfulness and her gaze turned to the floor.
"I would be removed from active duty."
"It's what you want. They take you seriously now and you've always said that you couldn't make a difference in the field. Besides the war council is on your side, well except for the Lt. General."
"I am afraid that this whole business has not put me in Lt. General Regius good graces," Carim admitted with an amused smile. It was no secret amongst the officers that the Lt. General regarded the Major General with distaste.
"Well I suppose I will not see you for some time then Hayate." Her words forced Hayate to look back to her before realisation dawned upon her face.
"And you'd have to take that two year pilgrimage wouldn't you Carim?"
In replying, Hayate's mouth had gone unexpectedly dry. Carim had been a huge part of her life since she had joined the TSAB. She was the first friend she had made on Mid Childa. A mentor of some sorts, but more importantly the first person she had dared to tell about that helpless day when the snow had taken on a different meaning for her. She once again forced a grin to appear on her face as she met Carim's concerned gaze head on.
"Take care then, Knight Carim."
She then attempted to mock salute her, fingers trembling slightly as she did. This time Carim closed the distance between them. Her hand reached up to cup Hayate's cheek only to pinch the skin instead. Hayate's protest was lost as Carim pulled her into a tight hug and whispered.
"I will miss you too, Hayate."
Perhaps that had been the moment that she began to view Carim differently. Perhaps it was the distance her new post put between them that made way for her new feelings. But it was with certainty that she felt different feelings for the Major General when after two years, they met again. Carim had embraced her, but pulled away too quickly for Hayate's liking. Upon her confession that she had skipped duties to greet her, the sisterly scolding began and Hayate experienced a sinking feeling. Was that all Carim thought of her?
As the week continued, she found that her thoughts often wandered to the major general and if Carim stopped by for a surprise visit she found it almost impossible to wipe the smile from her face. At such times Hayate put her change of feelings down to the simple fact of not having seen Carim for a long time. But why had she suddenly begun to notice everything Carim did? She found herself cataloguing her likes and dislikes. Hayate had always prided herself on taking a head on approach to her problems. But how could one take the initiative when you were stopped by a simple smile? Hayate was not used to being flustered around anyone and she didn't like the fact that the tables had turned. She had never experienced being tongue-tied around her long time friends Nanoha and Fate. Her conversations had often left them with two red faces as she suggested that there was more to their friendship than they wanted others to believe. Likewise, she had no problems with work colleagues and was quite friendly with the majority of her unit. Her teasing nature extended to her family and she had often found herself running from an enraged Vita due to several comparisons she had made between the latter and another family member, Shamal. She had also managed on a daily basis to force the stoic of the Yagami family, Signum to blush. Now whenever Carim was in her presence words failed her and it was getting to the point where people were beginning to notice.
Hayate's thoughts returned to the current problem of their mission on Earth. It concerned the capture and retrieval of a relic and had brought her back to familiar scenery and a familiar face. It was two years since Hayate had left Earth to begin her life anew on Mid-Childa. Unlike Fate and Nanoha, Hayate's bonds with her birth planet were weak. Upon the Earth's surface lurked a reminder of what she had lost and perhaps it was unfair to blame the planet but nevertheless that was all it meant to her now. Accompanying her to Earth was the person she wanted to yet was dreading to see again. Now a TSAB board director, Carim wore the blue navy uniform identical to Hayate's, the only difference being the epaulletes covering her shoulders and the long overcoat in place of the jacket that lower ranking officers wore. Upon seeing her, Hayate decided instantly that blue was definitely the Major General's colour. Her thoughts, in a heated debate on just how good Carim looked in uniform were suddenly interrupted by the woman herself who softly greeted her. Flustered, Hayate proceeded to blurt out her thoughts and further attempts to salvage the situation only led to a noticeable blush appearing on the cheeks of the usually calm and collected blonde. A blush that increased in intensity with each passing sentence until the colour on her face matched the red of Hayate's cheeks. They spent the remainder of the mission avoiding each other and were both glad that the relic had been easy enough to seal. The relic safe, the officers were informed that the next cruiser to Mid-Childa would pick them up in three days time. Thus, Hayate Yagami found herself trudging through the city centre of Uminari, her hometown with the scenery doing little to distract her.
Hayate shook her head to clear her recollection of the past couple of weeks. Rein looked at her concerned and she managed to smile reassuringly at her. She knew she had to pull herself together and the first step was to get out of the tea shop. Making her way to the door she paused at one of the displays. "Madagascan Vanilla" was written on a small board in white chalk and she couldn't stop the frown that formed. Could tea have a vanilla taste? She recalled vaguely that Carim had once proclaimed that any taste could be conveyed through tea. But when it came to tea, Carim was utterly biased. Still the thought intrigued her. She supposed that vanilla tea might be worth a shot and her sister figure would definitely enjoy it. Wasn't this the reason she had stepped into the shop, to buy something for Carim? Hayate inwardly grimaced. There was no way she could justify the purchase. She had never brought Carim a present on a whim before. Doing so now would just increase the tension between them. She could explain that it was a belated welcome home present. Nanoha always got something for Fate when she returned home from a mission. But it was different she supposed as Nanoha was in love. Her thoughts came to a crashing halt. Hadn't she just been agonising that she had fallen for Carim? There was a strong possibility that Carim would turn down her gift. Still, a gift of tea would keep and if her nerves gave out at the last minute she could just delay the giving until the knight's birthday. It was with these conflicted feelings that Hayate made her first purchase of Madagascan Vanilla.
Sister Schach frowned at the transmission monitor's image of her childhood friend's undignified behaviour. It was only on rare occasions that the current head of the St. Church expressed her frustration. It was even rarer that the frustration was great enough that it left her grumbling with her head planted face down on the table.
"Would it be rude of me Knight Carim to inquire whether Lt. Colonel Yagami is the cause of your behaviour?"
At the mention of the Lt. Colonel's name, Carim's head shot up from the table, her cheeks all aflame. This gave Schach all the confirmation she needed. A discreet smile played at the edges of Schach's lips. It really had been a long time since she had seen this side of the Major General. Lately, Carim had been buried in work using her free time to study every single prophecy she had been given. Schach knew that she was looking for the clues she had missed and reluctantly acknowledged that her friend was also taking it as a form of punishment.
Schach never wanted to be reminded of those years. Years that had taken far too much from them. Years that had forced her to realise her skills were woefully inadequate. Carim might have taken the full brunt of the responsibility but the guilt was shared and compounded daily as their awareness of the changes in each other's demeanour reinforced the knowledge that their world had changed. Although, she never voiced it, Schach knew that a large part of Carim had given up following the events nine years ago. Her broken device that lay locked in her drawer untouched was just one of the signs.
It was Schach's idea for Carim to take part in the mission alongside Hayate Yagami. The young Lt. Colonel had the ability to bring back glimpses of her old friend's happier, outgoing nature. Yagami's flirtatious tendencies hadn't escaped sister Schach's notice either and it was only her respect for her leader that stopped her from chuckling at Carim's response to some of Yagami's more daring remarks. Recently, the Lt. Colonel's teasing had stopped altogether, making Schach feel safe enough to demand that Carim take the mission with Hayate Yagami as a much needed vacation. Although, she liked the Lt. Colonel she was not about to allow her the opportunity of relentlessly teasing poor Carim regardless of whether or not an underlining seriousness lay beneath her actions.
"Has the Lt. Colonel gone back to teasing you Carim?" Schach decided to drop all formalities. This was a conversation between friends not of a Knight and their assistant.
"I do not know if we could call it teasing…" Carim's voice trailed off and her face once again heated at the memory. "More like a slip of the tongue or mind….I really do not know what goes on in her mind…I mean now I do but…did she need to shout?"
"What did Hayate Yagami say?" Schach's frown deepened. Normally Carim would say clearly what was on her mind. Her friend stated that she might as well speak plainly as the prophecies she foretold were complicated enough.
"Well…" Once again she paused trying to think of a nice way to report the incredibly awkward conversation that had taken place. Finding none she decided to quote it verbatim.
"Hayate told me that I looked great in uniform. No! Great wasn't good enough so she decided on sexy. Then realising what she had just said she said that she meant without the uniform. But that did not imply that she meant naked and no she did not have those kind of fantasies. She had not fantasised about me unless the maid costume fantasy counted. If that fantasy counted then it was entirely my fault and she would not turn down an opportunity to see me in one should I choose to wear one. It was only natural to want to see me in one now that she had concluded that she was in love. She had also assured me that she would be there should other such costume changes occur and…" Carim paused for a much needed breath. "Then the conversation just died and I have not spoken to her since."
Schach spoke her next words carefully, seeing the stressed look upon her superior's face.
"We both know that the Lt. Colonel is prone to teasing. I don't think she meant any of it."
The intensity of Carim's blush still remained and she looked just as worn out as she had been the weeks before poring over the interpretation of those prophecies.
"I know that Hayate does say some rather foreword things, but this is the first time I have seen her looking positively shocked by what she had just said. Plus she has never avoided me before after something like this and I am at a loss. I do not know what to do," she confessed hopelessly, her head resting back upon the table.
"I need a cup of tea," she muttered and Schach smiled understandingly. Tea to Carim was the solution to all problems and the reason her bank account's balance was so low.
"I shall have one prepared for you upon your return, Knight Carim."
"Thank you, Schach. A nice brew of first leaf with milk and sugar, please."
"Certainly," Schach replied. Carim always left the choosing of the tea to her and she was quite happy to browse through her friend's extensive collection.
"Your return" probed Schach "has been delayed by three days hasn't it?"
"Yes, we have already sealed the relic. We just need to wait for a cruiser to arrive so the relic can be transported safety home." Carim met Schach's gaze again before sincerely thanking her for listening to the revelation of her uncharacteristic frustrations. Schach nodded, a smile forming.
"Three days? Then you have all the time needed to make amends with Knight Hayate." Schach's smile had unaccustomedly changed into a grin similar to the ones that Hayate loved giving Carim. "You want to clear up the misunderstanding between you don't you?" she added as Carim remained silent, a downcast look appearing on her face.
"Of course, Hayate is my little sister. It would be stupid to allow this to spiral out of control. Schach, you are correct. I have been over-thinking the matter. It is completely within Hayate's nature to say something like that and mean nothing by it."
Schach watched her longtime friend and knew that she didn't believe a word of what she had just said. When it came to matters of romance the sister knew that it was best to leave it to those involved. Still she was worried because for all of Carim's esoteric knowledge of the Ancient Belkans her childhood friend was quite dense when faced with anything resembling a romantic notion. The sister could also see the delicacy of the situation. She wasn't sure if Yagami's remarks had been meant. Was Yagami acting out of true affection or just a momentary whim? On the other hand her superior's response provoked several different theories. Schach was aware that the two had always been close, even seeing each other as sisters and although Carim was constantly embarrassed by the younger woman's comments, Knight Carim was the reserved type. Did her constant blush hint at underlying feelings? If so was Carim aware of them?
"What if the Lt. Colonel meant her words?" The question hung between the two friends a thick silence enveloping them. Carim's response when it was finally spoken was barely above a whisper making Schach regret her prying.
"I could not return the feeling."
Carim had stared moodily at the blank transmission monitor long after Schach's connection had shut off. She would have stayed there for the remainder of the day if the ship's captain hadn't startled her out of her thoughts.
In need of the communication room, Carim had left the captain to his duties and continued her brooding on the ship's bridge. She had first met Hayate when the Lt. Colonel was eleven years old. The St. Church had summoned her on relic related business. Carim also received a summons which had surprised her given the less than stable relationship she maintained with the Church at that time. What followed was her first meeting with the Wolkenritter and their master. Zafira had taken on his human form and stood menacingly at Hayate's side. Shamal stood behind Hayate her appearance in stark contrast to Zafira's. She wore a smile that betrayed none of the nervousness found in Hayate's smile. Both hands rested protectively on the back of the wheelchair. Occasionally, Shamal would fold one hand over the other running her fingers over the gold band upon her finger. Hayate herself occupied the wheelchair and although she gave off the impression of weakness, Carim noticed that she scanned the room, her eyes missing nothing. Vita and Signum hadn't been present for their first meeting. Carim would meet them years later and a small part of her was thankful that these imposing individuals were absent that day.
Carim's predecessor sat at the polished wooden desk, quill in hand and oblivious to the tension within the room. Placing the quill in the ink well he glanced up and motioned for Carim to enter the room. Closing the door behind her she made her way over to her brother Verossa who occupied the couch closest to the desk. The opposite couch was empty as the Wolkenritter remained standing. A brief glance passed between the siblings confirming that neither of them knew the reasons behind the summons. Carim turned her attention to the trio greeting them with a salute and friendly smile.
"Please sit down." Her predecessor's mellow voice offered, gesturing to the unoccupied couch.
"Thank you." Hayate's voice remained steady and she gripped the handles of the wheelchair preparing to lift herself from the chair. At once Shamal moved to help but Hayate waved her away.
"Dr. Ishida said to take things slow, Hayate," Shamal reminded her giving up as she saw the look of determination the young girl was giving her. Hayate pulled herself up onto unsteady feet and with reluctance allowed Shamal to guide her to the couch her hand grasping the scarf which she had held in her lap. Zafira seated himself soon afterwards and Carim followed suit.
"Now that all are present we can begin. Carim, if you don't mind?" He gestured towards the tea service neatly set out on the table between the two couches. The tea had just been freshly brewed and from the aroma Carim guessed it was Russian Caravan. Beside the teapot and cups rested a plate filled with an assortment of biscuits. While pouring the tea, Carim half-listened to the pleasant exchanges between her superior and Hayate. As she set down a cup in front of Hayate she shyly murmured her thanks.
"Biscuit?" she offered Hayate after both Shamal and Zafira had declined. Her response was cut off by a sudden shift from the scarf upon her lap. A small head poked out from the folds of the scarf.
"Rein wants a biscuit!" the cheerful device declared.
"Rein," Hayate hissed embarrassed. Carim, however, smiled and offered the plate to Rein who looked thoughtfully at the selection. She glanced up at her master, her eyes wide and Hayate sighed, an affectionate smile forming on her face.
"You can have two."
Rein nodded happily before helping herself to her biscuits and then floating happily to Hayate's shoulder were she sat munching. Half-heartedly scolding her device, Hayate turned back apologetically to Carim who had offered the plate once more to her.
"She's usually better behaved," Hayate murmured.
Further meetings with Hayate would show that the shyness she had displayed was uncharacteristic. Despite Hayate's at times perverse attitude, Carim found that she enjoyed the girl's company. When rumours of Hayate's involvement with the Book of Darkness put her at odds with the members of Carim's unit, the knight icily reprimanded those involved. She had watched Hayate's military advancement from a more familial view offering help when the younger woman approached her in spite of their different beliefs. Although, she tried not to show Hayate any favouritism, the brunette had earned a place amongst her constant thoughts. While she allowed Hayate to get away with risqué comments her brother Verossa was not so fortunate. Upon her promotion to Knight and the subsequent time she spent away from Hayate, she realised that the latter had become a huge part of her life. Her long hours of paperwork were no longer interrupted by her grinning friend who upon entering would take her place at the edge of desk. Depending on her mood Hayate's actions would vary. Soon Carim had worked out her pattern. If she was in a happy mood she would steal a sip of Carim's tea and her grin would widen at the disapproving look she received. A worried mood would be indicated by the rearranging of the things on her desk. If she happened to be in a playful mood then all regards for personal space went out the window. These days all that greeted her were subordinates bringing more paperwork.
Upon her return, Carim hadn't been able to stop herself from embracing Hayate tightly. Fearing she had come off as needy she had released her sister figure automatically assuming a sisterly demeanour akin to those of the sisters of the church she had grown up with. Then the mission happened. Carim thought that it would be a return to past times. But she had forgotten Hayate's ability to unhinge her with her words and leave her utterly confused as to her own feelings for the Lt. Colonel. The two were close trusting each other with bits and pieces of their respective pasts. But could she trust Hayate with something more? Would Hayate trust her again? Even though she shared with Carim an important part of her history, the knight still neglected to fully support her. Knowing that the mission would lead them back to Earth Carim still allowed their conversations to place a barrier between them. Eventually the realisation that Hayate was her top priority led to her hasty teleportation to the planet below.
Recovering her poise, Carim bowed apologetically to the kimono clad woman she had just collided with. Luckily, she had managed to catch her before the latter tumbled to the pavement. The woman waved her apology away, bowed respectfully and continued on her way. Carim let out another sigh running her hand through her fringe in an attempt to calm herself down. This was not like her at all. As soon as the teleportation spell's golden glow had faded she charged out of the alley where she had appeared. Agitation gripped her unexpectedly and no sooner was she out of the alley than the side effects caught up with her. Her legs had begun to experience the all too familiar shakiness associated with long distance teleportation and she had stumbled into a woman coming from the opposite direction. Carim scanned the crowd mindful of the looks she was gathering and continued in the direction in which the woman had disappeared. Uminari's streets were now thronging with people, a sharp contrast to the empty streets that she had walked down with Hayate only days before.
Hayate had described her hometown as a sleepy place that just happened to attract a whole range of strange incidents. Apart from that she hadn't mentioned much about her life on Earth claiming that it would bore Carim. The knight was not one to pry into private affairs and so she hadn't asked Hayate to elaborate. When Hayate was more comfortable perhaps she would open up about her time in Uminari City. Carim wouldn't pressure her as she had been fairly vague on her childhood stories when asked. She knew that most of her friend's memories were overshadowed by the loss she had experienced and the realisation of what she had inherited. Despite her young age Hayate was greatly compassionate to the point of neglecting her own needs. She had also perfected her ability to hide her pain out of fear that others would needlessly worry about her.
During the Book of Darkness Incident, Hayate remained painfully unaware of the events surrounding her. She never allowed herself to forget that. She embraced her role as the last master of the book determined to make amends for actions that spanned centuries. It was her willingness that had been mistaken and twisted by those who could not see beyond the narrow definition outlined by previous masters. Hayate was judged not as the young girl she had been at the time but as an extension of a dangerous artefact. And due to her compassion she allowed this view to go unchallenged. She took on the actions of previous masters as if they had been her own and at the age of ten she signed her life away in atonement. Carim still remembered those bright blue eyes looking at her, unflinching, her unshed tears held back as she waited for her friend's answer upon hearing her version of events. With barely concealed anger in her tone, the knight remembered asking why Hayate allowed others to think of her that way.
"Family," was the firm reply. "What do you think of me now?"
Hayate's lips had been trembling as she asked but still she forced herself not to cry. She had sniffled slightly as Carim pulled her against her jacket wrapping her arms tightly around her. Even though the two of them sat amongst the scattered cushions that substituted for a couch in Carim's apartment, Hayate only reached the latter's shoulder.
"You are my family," Carim had whispered back and Hayate closed her eyes as the tears she had held back escaped. Carim held her gently as the quietness of the apartment overtook them. Outside the window, the cause of Hayate's discomfit and a trigger to her past, the snow was falling softly. Running a hand soothingly against her friend's hair Carim spoke.
"I will tell you when it stops."
Hayate's grip tightened in gratitude and Carim felt her nod against her shoulder. The snow continued to fall throughout the night.
Inwardly, Carim scolded herself for forgetting such an important memory. She also berated herself for allowing such a situation to develop. Why hadn't she told Hayate that she wasn't offended by what the latter had said? Still she had taken the words seriously. She had always thought of her as a little sister but these thoughts were now to be countered by the rush of emotion she felt when she considered the possibility that Hayate might harbour more than sisterly feelings for her. Schach's words echoed back to her along with the answer she had given. Was that truly her final answer on the matter?
Glancing around, Carim noticed that the crowd around her had thickened. Her thoughts had distracted her from her surroundings. The direction she had taken led her to one of the local shrines. Deciding to check if Hayate had dropped by to pay respect for the fallen Reinforce she ascended the stairs. The shrine itself was fairly busy but a scan of the crowd showed her that her friend was not amongst them. Cutting away from the crowd, Carim made her way to the edge of the shrine. It offered her a vantage point of the city beneath as she mentally ticked off the places where Hayate could possibly be. With another sigh, she concluded that the Lt. Colonel could be anywhere in her old hometown and the odds of finding her were incredibly low. Still, there were a couple more hours to sunset and as she was turning to leave as voice rang out behind her.
"Welcome to Uminari Shrine." Turning, she was greeted by one of the local priests.
"I could not help but see that you looked troubled." He spoke in a confiding tone stepping closer to her to be heard over the crowd. His statement brought a weary smile to Carim's face.
"I have a lot on my mind."
"Soon the new year shall visit us. My advice would be to let go of this year's troubles."
"New Year?" It had completely skipped Carim's mind that it was the last day of the year for Earth and Mid Childa.
"Ah, Child, you are truly troubled if the time of year escaped you," the priest chuckled before bowing apologetically. "Forgive me. Perhaps you do not celebrate the New Year. I have not seen you around here before."
"I am here on business." Carim answered truthfully, glad that she had changed into civilian clothing. She added vaguely. "I am from far away."
"A traveller then?"
"Those days are far behind."
"Then it is not the journey that troubles you, but perhaps the companions?" His statement caused her to shift uncomfortably. Nodding understandingly, the priest motioned her over to a nearby booth.
"Your problems are your own and yours to share. Although perhaps I may offer you some luck upon your travels." He held up a rectangular cloth charm. "Omamori or good luck charms. This one is Kotsu anzen, a protection for travellers."
Carim examined the omamori. Now that Hayate was constantly taking to the field Carim had grown worried. Hayate had once jokingly told her that she had bad luck considering what her childhood had put her through.
"If not for you, then perhaps for your companion who has you troubled?" he asked guessing the train of her thoughts. "This companion is close to you, family perhaps?"
"Yes," Carim responded automatically her eyes still on the charm. As the priest reached for another charm, Carim stopped him, her cheeks colouring slightly. "No, not my actual family, like a family…" She searched for the right word to describe her relationship with Hayate. A close friend sounded too formal and she could no longer think of her as a little sister nor as something more. To her surprise the priest nodded knowingly and produced two omamori, one white and one red.
"For your special companion," he told her and Carim ended up purchasing all three omamori. It was only at the bottom of the shrine steps that her actions caught up to her. Quickly, slipping the omamori into her pocket Carim set off towards the city centre. She was once again mystified. Her fight with Hayate was causing her to perform uncharacteristic actions and to indulge in unfamiliar rituals and beliefs. But she was anxious to make amends with someone who was becoming very important to her.
The pack of tea seemed to weigh more as it sat on her lap a reminder of her rash decision. Her red scarf was wrapped around her neck and Rein slept soundly within its folds. The night had descended upon the town but Hayate knew that the inhabitants were still wide awake eager to wait for the first sunrise of the New Year. She supposed that she should have gone back to the cruiser but the idea of being in a cramped space avoiding the one she had come to love did not appeal to her. Hayate let out a frustrated growl. It was just like her to isolate herself from someone due to a stupid comment she had made. Several comments she reminded herself. Upon their return to Mid-Childa, Carim would probably avoid her now that she knew that Hayate had less than wholesome thoughts concerning her. If that was the situation awaiting her then she would prefer to stay on the park bench she had found hours earlier.
"You are hard to find." The voice behind her nearly sent her tumbling from her seat. She would have recognised the voice anywhere and she meekly turned to face Carim.
"Do you mind if I sit with you?" Carim shifted uncomfortably looking just as nervous as Hayate felt. Hayate shook her head shifting to the far end of the bench avoiding Carim's gaze. Sensing that Carim had taken her seat, Hayate shot a discreet glance at her. The blonde's eyes were fixed on the slide within the playground, her expression pensive. Her blonde hair flowed down her back and she absentmindedly tucked a loose strand behind her ear giving Hayate a clear view of her side profile. Her cheeks coloured slightly and she quickly looked away before she once again revealed her thoughts. It was Carim's turn to steal a glance at Hayate. The brunette looked guilty, her eyes gazing straight ahead and she had drawn her knees up to her chin as if to curl herself into a ball. The sight made Carim want to bridge the distance between them and gather Hayate into a hug.
"I am not offended by anything you said," she called out softly. "I was confused but I was wrong to avoid you. Especially when you were already uncomfortable returning to your former home."
Hayate let out a strained laugh before replying.
"Am I that easy to read? Rein was worried about me before."
She looked fondly down at her sleeping device.
"I don't deserve her concern."
The bitterness of Hayate's tone did not go unnoticed. It shocked the knight as she knew that Hayate's self esteem concerning her job was low but she had never heard Hayate express that she wasn't worthy of someone's concern. She knew that Rein would have likewise been shocked perhaps outraged if she had heard. Reaching out for Hayate's hand Carim interlinked the cold fingers between hers giving the hand a tender squeeze. Her action caused Hayate to blush once again, her head turning away from Carim. Her response brought the beginnings of a smile to Carim's lips as she found Hayate's sudden shyness adorable.
"Do you remember our first meeting?"
"Yeah, I was scared of you," the brunette chuckled as she admitted the truth. "You had this regal look about you. I couldn't stop thinking that you were cool. Still do," she muttered the last part.
"Is that why you were so shy?" Carim teased.
"Part of it. Rein's actions also helped."
"I have never forgotten. Rein's appearance was unexpected." The two shared a quiet laugh mindful of the sleeping device.
"She must have eaten hundreds of your biscuits."
"I am sure Verossa does not mind making them for her. She is his unofficial taste tester."
Hayate hadn't removed her hand from Carim's but she had glanced away several times unable to maintain eye contact with the knight.
"Hayate," the name was spoken quietly. "When I first saw you I thought you were incredibly shy."
Her statement caused Hayate to look at her, a confused expression written on her features.
"I thought to myself there was no way that you could be involved with the TSAB. You were not ready for military life or the loss that comes with it. I did not know that you already carried a burden and that your strength was such that you carried on regardless. As I got to know you I found that my first impression had been off the mark. Although shyness is not a prominent aspect of your personality, compassion, kindness and unwavering strength are. Over the years I saw your family's support for you just as I had that first day but this time I saw how you supported your family in return. You held your family together. You were their strength, support and a source of concern. Concern is just one way in which we express our love for a person. Your family loves you, Hayate and they show it through their concern. Even though you lost someone important, please do not say you do not deserve their concern."
Hayate squeezed Carim's hand tentatively in return shifting closer to her. She stopped short and let out a surprised squeal as Carim slipped an arm around her drawing her to her side. Hayate's warm breath tickled the knight's neck as Hayate's head leaned against her shoulder.
"I could have saved Reinforce."
"You did. You made sure that her last master was the best and gave those she left behind a home."
Hayate smiled faintly at Carim's words. A comfortable silence descended upon them despite their closeness.
"So, does this mean you don't find me repulsive?" Her question earned her a raised brow.
"Why would I think that?"
"Because of what I said. Don't make me say it again." A pout formed and pleading light blue eyes pierced her.
"Oh, when you said…" A hand was clamped over her mouth and in an attempt to make her stop, Hayate's head shook violently in denial. Gently prying the hand away Carim assured the younger woman that she was not offended.
"May I ask how long?"
"A couple of months. I wasn't planning to confess to you that way. It just tumbled out." She watched Carim's thoughtful expression. Gone was her earlier playfulness.
"I care for you, Hayate."
Sincerity rang through her voice and the next words were spoken carefully.
"I am concerned about you. You are very important to me. But I do not know if these feelings I have for you will grow into love. I do not know anything about love. I am not certain whether I can return your feelings."
"So we return to how we were?" She couldn't fight off the sadness that saturated her tone.
"Possibly."
"Would it be inappropriate if I gave you something?"
Her hands had closed around the packet of tea and a sudden courage had seized her. She held out the tea with trembling fingers.
"It isn't meant to be taken as a make-up gift. I just saw the shop and thought of you. So I got you something."
"Thank you." The packet was taken appreciatively, a grin breaking out as she read the label. "Madagascan Vanilla. I do not have this one. I look forward to trying it. I have something for you too."
"Really?" Hayate was surprised as Carim produced an omamori from her pocket and pressed it into her palm.
"Kotsu anzen," she recognised it at once.
"I am worried about your safety on all these missions."
Beaming, Hayate thanked her as she tucked the charm safely into her pocket.
"I have something else," Carim continued, removing the other two charms. Hayate's eyes widened as they were placed in her hands. A faint red crept up her cheeks as she stared at the omamori.
"Ah…This is unexpected."
"What is?"
"You don't know what they mean?" As Carim shook her head, Hayate giggled quietly. The laughter soon turned into full blown chuckles.
"Hayate what is so funny?" Carim shot an agitated look at her. The sudden ring of a bell in the distance cut off Hayate's response. The bell continued its ringing while Hayate's laughter died down. Leaning back on the bench, she happily announced that it was New Year.
"Hayate Yagami." Carim had resorted to the strictest tone she could manage. "Do not avoid the question."
The Lt. Colonel turned to the knight, her face the happiest since their misunderstanding and she sang playfully.
"You're moving a bit fast there, Carim." She passed back one of the charms. "You keep one and I keep one. It's the way the charm works."
"Why do I have to take one?"
"Because marriage needs two people." Hayate was grinning now. "These charms are for a happy love and a successful marriage."
As her words sunk in, Carim's face turned scarlet and she made several attempts to speak. Mortified, she gave up completely and turned away from the grinning Lt. Colonel. Deciding to spare Carim further humiliation, Hayate listened to the chiming of the bell. She had almost forgotten it was the New Year. The thought of it made her feel less burdened. She could already tell that this year promised a fresh start. Beside her, Carim had managed to regain her composure. Although the blush had yet to subside she met Hayate's cheerful gaze head on.
"You know I cannot read Japanese," she mumbled weakly. Hayate nodded interlinking their fingers once again.
"It's a New Year so let's start over." A thoughtful look was directed at the knight who knew that this meant Hayate was likely plotting something.
"Carim. You have the last day of next week off, don't you?"
A nod caused Hayate's smile to widen just short of sinister.
"Good, then pick me up at seven."